05-28-2009, 10:01 AM
Quote:Hi,
Because most people don't understand TANSTAAFL. If asked, "Do you want universal health care?", most will say yes. Ask those same people, "Do you want to pay a third of your income for health care?", and they'll overwhelmingly say no.
Most people are for the benefits, against the costs, too stupid to realize that that is an illogical position, and they're still allowed to vote.
--Pete
I'm Dutch. Around 60% of my income goes to taxes. Taxes on my paycheck. Taxes on everything I buy (3-19%), Taxes on my mortage, Tax on electricity, gas, phone, sewers. all in all, in the end 60% of my money goes to the government. No joke.
But I still live a good life and if things go bad, the government will take care of me. It will guarantee a minimal income, healthcare (equivalent to what everyone else gets and it's very good, if you want more you can always go to a private clinic, but that's mostly for cosmetic 'enhancements'), the government will pay me if I have kids, will pay for their schoolbooks, help you pay your monthly mortage (yes, first they tax you on it, then they help you pay it), etc.
No one pretends to understand our tax system. We pay an outrageous ammount compared to, say, the United States. But we get a lot back. In the end it works out and we have something to complain about (favourite national pasttime). Everyone wins!
Former www.diablo2.com webmaster.
When in deadly danger,
When beset by doubt,
Run in little circles,
Wave your arms and shout.
When in deadly danger,
When beset by doubt,
Run in little circles,
Wave your arms and shout.